How to Make Cannabis-Infused Beverages at Home: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making cannabis-infused \drinks at home? It’s easier than you think, and way more fun. Whether you're chilling solo or impressing your friends, a homemade cannabis drink can hit just right. Plus, you get to control the flavor and potency to match your vibe.

At Preston Herb Co, we’ve been doing our thing in Oregon since 2018, bringing you the best cannabis for whatever you're crafting. If you want to whip up a cannabis beverage, we’ve got you covered with the essentials. Let’s dive in.

Step 1: Choose Your Infusion

First things first - how do you want to get that cannabis into your drink? Here are two easy and effective ways:

• Tinctures: These are alcohol-based and super versatile. Just a few drops in your tea, coffee, or cocktail and you’re good to go.
• Infused Syrups: Sweet, smooth, and perfect for mixing into lemonades, sodas, or even fancy mocktails.

Both let you control how strong your drink is, whether you want a light buzz or something a little more cosmic.

Step 2: Know Your Weed

Cannabis isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation. Different strains bring different vibes, so pick what fits the mood:

• Indica: Chill, relax, maybe take a nap. Perfect for winding down after a long day.
• Sativa: Energetic and uplifting, great for daytime adventures or sparking creativity.
• Hybrid: The best of both worlds. Balanced effects, ideal for any time.

THC vs. CBD - What’s the Difference?

• THC: The stuff that gets you high. Go easy if you're new, start small and work your way up.
• CBD: No buzz, just calm. Ideal if you want to relax without feeling stoned.

We’ve got all kinds of strains, so you can pick the perfect one for your next beverage experiment.

Step 3: Decarb Your Cannabis (If You’re DIY-ing)

If you’re starting from flower instead of using a pre-made tincture, you need to decarb it to activate the good stuff (THC or CBD). Here’s how:

1. Preheat your oven to 240°F (115°C).
2. Break your bud into small pieces and spread it on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Bake for 30-40 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Once that’s done, you’re ready to infuse it into your oil or alcohol.

Step 4: Infuse It

Here’s the lowdown on making your own infusion:

Oil-Based Infusion (For Creamy Drinks)

1. Combine your decarbed cannabis with coconut or olive oil.
2. Simmer on low for 2-3 hours. Don’t let it boil!
3. Strain through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth.

Alcohol-Based Tincture (For Cocktails)

1. Add decarbed cannabis to a jar of high-proof alcohol (like Everclear).
2. Store it in a cool, dark place for a few weeks, shake it up every day.
3. Strain and store in a dropper bottle for easy dosing.

If that sounds like too much work, no worries - you can always just order from us. 

Step 5: Craft Your Perfect Cannabis Drink

You’ve got your infusion - now let’s make a killer drink. Some ideas:

• Chill Lemonade: Lemonade + a splash of cannabis syrup + fresh mint.
• Canna-Cold Brew: Iced coffee + a few drops of tincture + vanilla syrup.
• Green Tea Cooler: Green tea + honey + a dash of CBD oil.
• Highball: Your favorite soda + a few drops of THC tincture.

Flavor Pairing 101

Cannabis can bring earthy, herbal notes, so mix it with flavors that vibe with that:

• Citrus (lemon, lime, orange)
• Herbs (mint, basil, lavender)
• Spices (ginger, cinnamon)

Step 6: Dose It Right

Start small, especially if you’re new. Here’s a quick guide:

• Microdose (1-5 mg THC): Light buzz, good for beginners.
• Standard Dose (5-10 mg THC): You’ll feel it, but still functional.
• High Dose (20+ mg THC): Couch-lock territory. Buckle up.

To figure out your dosage:

1 gram of cannabis = 1000 mg

So, if your flower is 20% THC, that’s 200 mg THC per gram. Use that math to portion your infusion carefully.

Step 7: Store It Right

Keep your infused beverages in a sealed container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for about 2 weeks. If you’re using dairy, drink it within a few days.

Always label your drinks, no one likes a surprise dose.

And That’s a Wrap (Roll!?) 

Homemade cannabis drinks are a fun, flavorful way to enjoy your favorite herb. Experiment, find your favorite combos, and always start low and go slow.

We’re here to make your cannabis journey smooth, safe, and seriously enjoyable. Happy sipping!

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